And complete the Hajj or `Umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (from completing it) send an offering for sacrifice such as ye may find and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp (necessitating shaving) (he should) in compensation either fast or feed the poor or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again) if anyone wishes to continue the ‘Umra on to the Hajj he must make an offering such as he can afford it he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah and know that Allah is strict in punishment.

On the authority of Anas ibn Malik that in pre-Islamic period people (in Madina) used to celebrate two days every year. When Prophet (pbuh) came to Madina he said, “you used to have two days to celebrate, Allah has replaced the two days with better two days: the day of Fitr and the day of Adha

Eid-Al-Adha or the feast of Sacrifice commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God as an act of submission to His command. It marks the end of the pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca. It is the greater of the two Eids. It lasts about four days. It falls on the 10th day of the 12th month, Thul Hijah, in the Islamic calendar, which is based on lunar system. The lunar system is 11 days shorter than the solar system. Every year Eid Al-Adha like Eid Al –Fitr falls on different days of the solar system calendar.

Muslims throughout the world celebrate Eid Al-Adha by wearing the best clothes they have, reciting declarations of faith (takbirat), and observing Eid prayers. Those who can afford it sacrifice animals or share meals to feed the poor. Muslims also visit with families and friends to exchange greetings and gifts.

Eid Al-Adha is a public holiday in Muslim majority countries. It is one of the most important days in the Islamic Calendar. It is vital that our families and children feel the joy of Eid. It is good to decorate our Houses, mosques and schools with Eid themes. It is important for the family to have quality time together, and it is even more important for children. Children should be taught the importance of Eid Al-Adha through the story of Prophet Ibrahim. Children need to feel and remember the Eid by getting joyful activities.